The 36th graduation ceremony of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Physician Assistant Program was conducted on May 17 of this year.

As part of the gathering, the program presented its annual "Preceptor of the Year Award" in appreciation for outstanding clinical instruction provided by a working physician's assistant. Joseph Beuning, PA-C, from New Richmond was this year's honoree.

This is the seventh year this award has been given, and all recipients have their names engraved on a permanent plaque that hangs in the School of Medicine.

Beverly Speece, director of Clinical Education, introduced Beuning when the honor was announced, listing his background and community involvement and thanking him for his willingness to accept so many students for so many years.

A member of the 2013 graduating class, Eve Komosa, spoke briefly about her time working with Beuning at the New Richmond Clinic.

After practicing as a physician's assistant for over 35 years, Beuning is "an excellent diagnostician," she said.

"He quickly figures out what is going on with a patient, approaching accurate diagnoses both from an academic and an intuitive standpoint," she said. "Joe is also an excellent patient counselor - when working with patients he always uses just the right mix of humor, firm guidance, and empathetic understanding when encouraging them to make choices that improve their health."

She noted that Beuning is also a very active member of the community.

"It was clear to me that patients came to him not just because they trusted his medical knowledge, but also because they trusted who they knew him to be as a fellow member of their community," she said.

"Needless to say, I was sad to say goodbye to Joe when my eight weeks were up."